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How Metascores Are Calculated
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1 vs. 100
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Contra 4 takes place two years after "Contra III: The Alien Wars," first released on the Super Nintendo in 1992. Heroes Bill and Lance again must team up to take down an oncoming alien invasion and its leader, Black Viper. Contra 4 features the same style of 2D side-scrolling gameplay that established the series 20 years ago. Players combat alien hordes with a variety of futuristic weapons while attempting to avoid pitfalls and other hazards along the way. Contra 4's action extends to both screens on the DS, allowing for larger environments and boss encounters. And as is a hallmark of the series, Contra 4 retain two-player simultaneous gameplay.
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 93
Game Informer
This is both the ultimate Contra experience and one of the best action games in years. Do not let Contra 4 get lost in the holiday rush.
 91
Gaming Target
The Contra series is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and Contra 4 is a gift to the fans. If you're a fan of the series or even if you just like shooters in general, Contra 4 is the game for you.
91
GameShark
The game is a lot of fun, even if the challenge level is out of this world. If you’ve been around for all 20 years of Contra, this is a must purchase.
90
Thunderbolt
It’s great to see that well-made games that are entirely capable of kicking our asses can still be made and here’s to another 20 years of Contra-ing to come... hopefully.
90
Worth Playing
Contra 4 is relatively short, but the difficulty and the immense number of extras give it a healthy replay value.
90
GamingExcellence
Contra 4 is meant for the hardcore old school crowd, and only for the hardcore old school crowd.
90
Zentendo
Contra 4's main Arcade mode is a remixed classic and a treat in its own right, but what really makes Contra 4 stand out is how it pays tribute to its fans by using the slick gameplay of the main game to craft an excellent Challenge Mode and consequently reward players with two classic NES titles and a bunch of nostalgic extra features to boot.
90
GamePro
Features immense replay value.
90
GameSpy
Fans have been waiting years for a true Contra sequel, and now it's arrived. Whether you're a fan of the series or someone looking for a challenge, you'll find a lot to love here.
90
NintendoWorldReport
The game is exceptional all around. Even the instruction manual pays homage to the classics and is well worth a peek for the ardent fan. Contra fans should buy this game immediately, and action fans in general should seriously consider picking it up.
90
Games Radar
Contra 4 stands alone both as a game and as an anniversary package celebrating the history of the series. This is a retrospective done right and it should be considered a must-have for any DS owner out there.
89
GamingTrend
The game will beat you silly, but the challenge and gameplay are so much fun that the need to press forward is strong.
89
GameZone
This game is absolutely not for everybody. Most gamers brought up on the cushy, forgiving action games of the last decade will probably feel like somebody slapped them in the face the first time they play it. But for the right sort of person, that slap in the face is exactly what they’ve been craving. Contra 4 presents some of the best, most hardcore run-and-gun shooting action on the DS, and is a breath of fresh, alien-blood-scented air for the system, and gaming in general.
88
GameTrailers
Contra 4 is a stunning return to form and a fitting twentieth anniversary present for fans of the series.
86
Nintendojo
Contra 4 will deliver everything veterans of the series could ever want, from the classic spread gun to music that brings orgasmic delight to the ears.
86
Cheat Code Central
If you're a Contra fan--especially of the classic side-scrolling action of the series' early offerings-- picking this title up is a no-brainer. The fast action, upgradeable weapons, platforming level design, and awesome bosses are all back and joined by two-screen presentation, a nifty grappling hook, and enough extras to make those next-gen "Collector's Editions" envious.
85
Play Magazine
Down to the trademark ping the gunfire makes hitting steel, Contra 4 is a thoroughbred effort. [Dec 2007, p.92]
85
Nintendo Power
Otherwise, as long as you're open to its old-school approach, Contra 4 stands as one of the year's best pure action titles. [Dec 2007, p.81]
85
ZTGameDomain
If you crave old-school action that is just as relentless today as it was back in the 80s then Konami has answered your call.
85
DailyGame
Contra 4 is made for the fan in mind. It is obvious that the developers have a lot of love for the Contra series so if you're a fan then there's nothing to pick at.
83
Game Revolution
Base runs and bosses aside, Contra 4 is the most punishing game on the DS, but also one of the most satisfying. There is no room for error, nor are there any cheap shots. If you die, you screwed up. If you survive, you are officially hard to the titanium core.
83
Gamer 2.0
Be that as it may, it's great to see Contra go back to its roots for this very impressive entry into long-running series. If you enjoy challenging titles that require every bit of skill you can muster, Contra 4 is just the perfect purchase.
83
Games Master UK
Doesn't advance the classic Contra formula one jot, but better than 1994's "Hard Corps." [Feb 2008, p.68]
80
games(TM)
WayForward Technologies has successfully managed to create that old-school arcade experience in the palm of your hand. And if that doesn’t impress you, you may as well stick to "Brain Training." [Jan 2008, p.117]
80
GameSpot
It's mean, it's intense, it's difficult, and it's a raucous good time. In a nutshell, it's Contra.
80
IGN
Contra 4 is great Contra Fan Service. The core game design is a fresh fight that stays true to the 8 and 16-bit editions. At the same time, you can unlock two of the games that the fans hold near and dear, and via an in-game museum you can view the series' timeline through boxart and screen grabs.
80
GameDaily
Invest immediately – unless you're a wuss.
80
Modojo
Contra 4 is a wonderful throwback to the Contra days of old, a jam-packed blastathon guaranteed to get your blood pumping. Grab your gun and let's hit it, before you get stomped, tattooed, hanged and killed.
80
Gamer.nl
Contra 4 is a respectable comeback of the series to its original form. The game brings good memories and is something every gamer should have played once. It might be difficult in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it you will be rewarded. Not everyone will like the game, but those who do will enjoy one of the best times in their life.
80
Destructoid
Any fan of the series will be more than happy with their experience and I can easily say that as a fan myself, I'm quite pleased. The developers have done a wonderful job in providing a title that lives up to the Contra name.
79
NGamer UK
We haven't played a game this demanding in some time... a refreshing kick in the teeth. [Feb 2008, p.67]
78
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Developer WayForward has delivered what Konami of Japan was largely too afraid to give us: a straight-up, balls-to-the-wall, classic-feeling Contra. [Holiday 2007, p.86]
75
1UP
While Contra 4 doesn't necessarily improve on the respected series template, it's unquestionably a return to form, likely to sate rabid fans while simultaneously terrorizing unprepared newbies.
75
GamerNode
While the graphics leave a bit to be desired, the heightened difficulty and insane boss battles make up for it. Just like any other Contra game, it'll take you a while to get through it the first time, but once you figure out the formula you'll be just fine.
75
GameCritics
When the game is at its old-school finest, Contra 4 is the anti-new game that we old schoolers eat for breakfast. (Really, pansy gamers need not apply; this game will beat you to next Tuesday.) At its worst, Contra 4 is everything that gaming has tried to move away from for the last twenty years. But every now and again, it’s nice to be reminded that games can be pure adrenaline-filled manfests.
65
Deeko
With all these amazing things in store what could possibly go wrong for C4? The absolutely astonishing, ridiculous rectum tearing difficulty that this game holds, that's what (and I played on easy).
60
EuroGamer
While Contra 4 is, at its core, a great 2D shooter that's refreshingly difficult, there are too many places where it stays true to its past in the face of innovations that could only make it a better, more accessible game.
60
Edge Magazine
Is there any need, on vertically scrolling levels, for your character to die when they touch the bottom of the screen, despite the fact you know there are platforms there? Do bosses have to seem impossible, and then prove tedious when their patterns have been learned? [Jan 2008, p.89]
Matt S. gave it a10: John L. gave it a10: Tyler W. gave it a9: [Anonymous] gave it a9: Pekka gave it a9: Tom D. gave it a9: Chris C. gave it a9: |
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